Keep At It

Dear Middletown Reformed Church Family and Friends,

Eastertide blessings to you!

Come to worship this Sunday at 10:30 AM as we continue to celebrate the risen Christ — it’s still Easter! Tom will lead us in our hymns and sing the Anthem “Cast Your Cares on Him.” I am preaching from Acts 18.1-4 and 1 Corinthians 1.10-18 and my sermon title is Belonging. Also, we have the joy of baptizing into the family of God Luke Anthony Somma, child of Michael and Amanda Somma. I can’t wait to say to Baby Luke, Luke, child of the covenant in baptism, you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ’s own forever.

And now, as we enter the weekend I leave you with these encouraging words from Steve Garnaas-Holmes until we see each other on Sunday —

You are a hand of God, an extension of God's will. What God desires travels by the Holy Spirit faster than thought and you do it. But it doesn't always work as intended. The nerve impulse doesn't get through, or the tendons are severed, or the muscles are weak. As Paul says, “I know the good, but I can't seem to do it.” So we need physical therapy for the soul, which is prayer: small, repetitive movements that don't accomplish anything on their own but allow for our renewal as the Body of Christ. Rest. Trust. Listen. Give thanks. Forgive. Receive forgiveness. Extend compassion. We can't hurry the process. We accept our weakness, and begin where we are. We practice. We celebrate tiny transformations. Over time, we more and more fully discern and do the will of God.

Five reps, three sets, daily. Keep at it.

In gratitude for the privilege of being your pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish